Relief funding doubled for Queenslanders in need of support

The Palaszczuk Government will double funding for emergency and food relief services to deliver more support to Queenslanders who have been impacted by cost of living and housing pressures.

Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch said the $3.3 million funding boost would ensure Queenslanders who need assistance can access the support they need.

“We recognise that there are many Queenslanders who are doing it tough as a result of the increasing cost of living and housing pressures being experienced across the state,” Ms Enoch said.

“Queensland’s 86 emergency relief providers will have their funding doubled to a total of almost $4 million this year, allowing more Queenslanders and families to access financial assistance in the form of vouchers, food parcels and third-party payments such as a contribution towards utility bills.

“Foodbank Queensland will also see their funding for food relief services doubled to $2 million this year, allowing them to deliver more donated food for breakfast programs, welfare/homeless shelter kitchens, food vans and neighbourhood and community centre food pantries.

“OzHarvest and SecondBite will also receive an additional $150,000 funding each, to prevent good food from going to waste and delivering it to charities that help feed people in need.

“Our food relief and emergency relief service providers do incredible work to support Queenslanders in need, and this significant funding increase will be a welcome boost to these important organisations.”

The increase in emergency and food relief is one of several actions being taken by the Palaszczuk Government following the recent Queensland Housing Summit.

Ms Enoch said in addition to this increased relief funding, the Palaszczuk Government was also taking actions to support people experiencing homelessness and help people sustain their tenancies.

“We’ve committed an additional $23.5 million in new funding for more accommodation and more services for people experiencing homelessness,” she said.

“This includes $10 million over two years to deliver more temporary accommodation, a $5 million boost to the Immediate Housing Response for Families package and $8.5 million to provide after-hours outreach in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Townsville and Cairns.

“An additional $21.7 million will deliver more support to Queenslanders to remain in their homes or who are struggling to find a home or who can’t afford their rent.

“This includes $10 million to expand our private rental assistance products to more Queenslanders by increasing income limits, meaning around 1000 extra households will be able to access bond loans, rental grants and rental security subsidies.”

Anyone who needs housing assistance can contact their local Housing Service Centre during business hours or call the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.

To find out more about emergency relief services in Queensland, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/community/cost-of-living-support/emergency-relief-program.

ENDS

Media contact: Bill Walker 0437 859 987